GM 603/604 SHERI TANAKA

 

GM 603 Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, SHERI TANAKA, for a term to expire 6-30-2014.

GM 604 Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, SHERI TANAKA, for a term to expire 6-30-2018.

Report Title: Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Current Referral: HMS                  

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

HAKIM OUANSAFI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY

1002 NORTH SCHOOL STREET

Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

BARBARA E. ARASHIRO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Statement of

David J. Gierlach Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Before the

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

March 27, 2014 1:15 P.M. Room 016, Hawaii State Capitol

In consideration of

G.M. 603 and G.M. 604

SUBMITTING FOR CONSIDERATION AND CONFIRMATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HAWAI‘I PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, GUBERNATORIAL

NOMINEE, SHERI TANAKA, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE 6-30-2014 AND 6-30-2018 Honorable Chair Chun Oakland and Members of the Senate Committee on Human Services, thank you for the opportunity to provide you with comments regarding Governor’s Message (G.M.) 603 and 604, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, Ms. Sheri Tanaka, for a term to expire June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2018. My name is David Gierlach, and I am the Chair of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors (BOARD) and support the confirmation of Ms. Sheri Tanaka to the HPHA Board of Directors. With Ms. Tanaka’s legal, journalism and real estate background, I am confident that Ms. Tanaka will be an asset to the State and to this Board. I appreciate the opportunity to provide the Senate Committee on Human Services with my position regarding G.M. 603 and 604. I respectfully request the Committee to confirm Ms. Sheri Tanaka to the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority Board of Directors.

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

HAKIM OUANSAFI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY

1002 NORTH SCHOOL STREET

Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

BARBARA E. ARASHIRO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Statement of

Hakim Ouansafi Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Before the

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

March 27, 2014 1:15 P.M. Room 016, Hawaii State Capitol

In consideration of

G.M. 603 and G.M. 604

SUBMITTING FOR CONSIDERATION AND CONFIRMATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HAWAI‘I PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, GUBERNATORIAL

NOMINEE, SHERI TANAKA, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE 6-30-2014 AND 6-30-2018 Honorable Chair Chun Oakland and Members of the Senate Committee on Human Services, thank you for the opportunity to provide you with comments regarding Governor’s Message (G.M.) 603 and 604, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, Ms. Sheri Tanaka, for a term to expire June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2018. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) supports the confirmation of Ms. Tanaka to the HPHA Board of Directors. The HPHA Board needs directors with a variety of life experiences and professional expertise in order to effectively fulfill its role as a policy guide for the agency. Ms. Tanaka’s professional experience in the legal arena and journalism, along with her work with children, will bring a fresh perspective in developing sound and thoughtful policy decisions, and will go a long way to assist HPHA tenants, as well as the State. The HPHA appreciates the opportunity to provide the Senate Committee on Human Services with the agency’s position regarding G.M. 603 and 604. We respectfully request the Committee to confirm Ms. Sheri Tanaka to the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority Board of Directors.

Halm's Enterprises, Inc Diamond Head Seafood Wholesale, Inc.

March 24, 2014

Keoki's Lau Lau 966 Robello Lane

Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 (808) 832-9500

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Senate Committee on Human Resources State Senate, State Capitol 415 S. Beretania St., #226 Honolulu, HI 96813

Dear Senator Oakland,

Allow me to submit my humble support of Sheri Tanaka to be selected to serve the people of Hawaii through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. In my experience with her legal counseling, I have been impressed with her diligence, forthrightness and compassion. As a seeker of solutions, she is an excellent listener, a clear thinker and, therefore, a reliable evaluator.

Our family of food processing companies of over 150 employees has great faith in her integrity and unselfish interest in serving for the betterment of all. It is also impressive how she can relate and communicate with people of varied backgrounds and experiences.

Her broad interests and experiences, together with her unwavering sincerity will benefit us all in her service to the State.

Sincerely,

Jffe7C:~ Michael P. Irish CEO

Halm's Enterprises, Inc Diamond Head Seafood Wholesale, Inc.

March 24, 2014

Keoki's Lau Lau 966 Robello Lane

Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 (808) 832-9500

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Senate Committee on Human Resources State Senate, State Capitol 415 S. Beretania St., #226 Honolulu, HI 96813

Dear Senator Oakland,

I am delighted to learn that Sheri Tanaka has been nominated as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Ms. Tanaka is an amazing woman and as a client and business associate, I can tell you that the Governor has made an excellent choice.

As Vice President of our family of companies, which employ over 150 employees, I have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Tanaka and I could not be more confident and proud of the work that she has done for us. I have found her integrity and moral character to be of the highest standard, and when dealing with people, I have found her to be kind and compassionate as well as direct and unwavering when need be. I feel strongly that she will be a huge asset to the Board, bringing her knowledge, communication and leadership skills to the table.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Very truly yours,

~Yl~ Kathi Meechan Vice President

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Senate Committee on Human Resources State Senate, State Capitol 415 S. Beretania Street, Rm. 226 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 RE: Nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Dear Senator Chun Oakland,

My name is Ryan Michael Tanaka, President of Island Business Management, and I am writing in support of Sheri Jean Tanaka to be a member for the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Throughout the years I have known Sheri, not only as my sister, she also provides legal counsel for my company, Island Business Management LLC, a Hawaii-based company. My company assists clients in deal structuring, business acquisitions, as well as business management services. Since opening in November 2007, we have evaluated and facilitated real estate transactions including but not limited to assisted living facilities, hotels, shopping centers, commercial buildings, and full-scale residential development projects.

Sheri has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the legal implications that these various types of real estate projects have on its stakeholders and the community at large. She has provided invaluable legal support and her knowledge of corporate law and litigation has tremendously helped me to remain profitable, legally compliant, as well as to protect the various parties each transaction affects. From a legal standpoint, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority would greatly benefit from Sheri’s expertise, dedication, commitment, and, service as a board member.

The mission of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority is to perpetuate the provision of the unsheltered homeless with housing accommodations. For those who know Sheri outside of work, she is fully committed to her church where she has devoted countless hours of service and demonstrated compassion towards others. I believe Sheri exhibits a rare and unique attribute of genuine concern and service for others that blended with her understanding of the law, provides the right mindset to serve under the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Devoting many years of her life to learning and performing hula, Sheri has a deep awareness for cultural appreciation and preservation that also represents an important part of the value system of the people of Hawaii.

In closing, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority would greatly benefit from Sheri’s dedication, commitment, work ethic, professional competence, and presence. I feel so strongly of my recommendation of Sheri Jean Tanaka as a Hawaii Public Authority Board member that I would be willing to appear in person and answer any questions you may have regarding my testimony.

Sincerely,

Ryan M. Tanaka

Managing Member

Island Business Management LLC

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland

Chair Senate Committee on Human Services (HMS)

Hawaii State Capitol, Room 226

Honolulu, HI 96813

RE: Sheri Tanaka’s nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Honorable Suzanne Chun Oakland:

As Bishop of the Kaimuki Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is my privilege and

honor to support Governor Abercrombie’s nomination of Sheri Tanaka to be accepted as a member of

the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. It has been my privilege to witness

Sheri’s tireless dedication to her professional, educational, and personal pursuits. While I have not

worked with her in any professional capacity, the basis of my recommendation is rooted in her devotion,

character, and disposition.

I have personally witnessed Sheri Tanaka’s devotion to her community. While in the midst of starting

her law profession, she was called upon to make a presentation to our Boy Scout Troop regarding each

individual’s rights and responsibilities as citizens of our community, nation, and the world. Although she

was in the thick of her own personal pursuits, she, without hesitation, happily volunteered and delivered

a professional, thoughtful, and thorough presentation.

One of Sheri’s greatest qualities is how she is able to light up a room by just walking through the door.

She has the unique ability to lift the spirits of all those with whom she comes in contact. I truly believe

that, while many try to take people out of poverty, Sheri has the ability to inspire and take the poverty

out of people. Her perspective will be a huge asset in bettering the lives of those she serves.

I strongly support, without reservation, Sheri Tanaka’s nomination. Her perspective, commitment to her

community, tireless dedication, and love of people will be an enormous addition to the Hawaii Public

Housing Authority.

Sincerely,

David Stanley

Bishop of the Kaimuki Ward

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

TAKEMOTO & SHIMOZONO Attorneys at Law

1130 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite B-200B TELEPHONE: (808) 536-2900

Honolulu, HI 96817 FACSIMILE: (808) 536-2916

March 25, 2014

Via E-MAIL

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland

Senate Committee on Human Services

State Senate, State Capitol

415 S. Beretania Street, Room 226

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

RE: Letter in support of Sheri J. Tanaka

Dear Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland,

I am submitting this letter of recommendation in support of Sheri J. Tanaka’s

nomination by Governor Abercrombie to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public

Housing Authority. I am an attorney, licensed to practice law since October 10, 1994. I

have been in private practice since December 2004. I am currently employed as a partner

in the firm of Takemoto & Shimozono, LLC, since February 2005. Prior to entering

private practice, I was employed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City & County

of Honolulu from October 1994 to November 2004. I became acquainted with Ms.

Tanaka when she was a employed as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Steven S. Alm in the

Circuit Court of the First Circuit.

As a licensed attorney in the state of Hawaii and California, Ms. Tanaka has a

wealth of experience in numerous areas of the law. In the last few years, since Ms.

Tanaka has entered into private practice, I have been fortunate enough to work in concert

with Ms. Tanaka in several litigation matters. My first experience working with Ms.

Tanaka was in a complex construction defects litigation, wherein Ms. Tanaka was the

lead counsel. Ms. Tanaka assisted my client and I as a second chair in a jury trial before

the Honorable Jeanette Castagnetti (Circuit Court). Ms. Tanaka also assisted my clients

and I in two (2) separate bench trials before the Honorable Randal Lee (Circuit Court)

and the Honorable Alvin Nishimura (Honolulu District Court). Ms. Tanaka and I are

currently involved as co-counsel in another pending civil case. In working with Ms.

Tanaka, I have personally observed her talent and in conducting legal research, legal

writing and engaging in oral advocacy on behalf of her clients.

Ms. Tanaka is a zealous legal advocate and has handled herself in a professional

and ethical manner. Above all, Ms. Tanaka will vigorously pursue and advocate for what

she believes is the fair and right thing to do. I have been impressed with Ms. Tanaka’s

tireless work ethic and her willingness to take on new challenges. Furthermore, I believe

that Ms. Tanaka has practiced law with the highest level of integrity.

With her professional experience in law and real estate, and the aforementioned

attributes, I firmly believe that Ms. Sheri J. Tanaka would be an excellent candidate and I

strongly support her nomination for the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing

Authority.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 536-2900

(work) or 292-0169 (cellular). Unfortunately, I will be unable to appear on March 27,

2014 to testify before the Senate Committee on Human Resources in support of Ms.

Tanaka, as I will be off-island on a pre-planned family trip. Thank you very much for

your time and consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,

Myron H. Takemoto, Esq.

March 24, 2014

Senator Suzanne Chun OaklandSenate Committee on Human ResourcesState Senate, State Capitol415 S. Beretania Street, Rm. 226Honolulu, HI 96813

RE: Sheri Tanaka’s Nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Dear Senator Chun Oakland,

I am both proud and happy to learn that Sheri Tanaka has been nominated by Governor Abercrombieto serve on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

As her former Bishop with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during her residency onMaui, she has always demonstrated her passion to serve others with humility, honesty and charity. She is adedicated hard worker, being herself her harshest critic, to always deliver the very best in any project or taskshe has accepted.

Shifting careers from journalism to law was a task that I had concerns about – and she successfully didso with conviction and dedication. During her schooling in Provo, Utah, Sheri served as Program Director forthe Youth Detention Center for three years working closely with youth, families and the community. Thesestrengths and her principles of community and family, will be the pillars of her service as a member of theBoard of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

While being a licensed member of both the Hawaii and California State Bar, much of her practice hasbeen here, in the State of Hawaii, where her bond with the community and love of the islands, remains strong– a quality important for one who serves in the capacity of her nomination.

I strongly support Ms. Tanaka’s nomination as a member of the Board of Directors of the HPHA andsubmit this endorsement with the highest degree of honor and respect that she will bring to the calling.

Sincerely,

Craig H. Tanaka

Submitted By Organization Testifier Position

Present at Hearing

Eugenia Kapapa Individual Support No

RE: Nomination of Sheri J. Tanaka to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

I am writing as long-time friends of SHERI J. TANAKA, who is subject to her appointment by Governor Abercrombie. I have known Sheri for over 25 years, and have enjoyed watching her development.

Whenever I think of Sheri, her smiling face, bubbly personality and friendly greeting come to our minds. I know her for her humbleness, perception to the needs of others, kindness and nurturing ways. She is an effective listener. She gets along well with everyone.

Throughout the years, we have enjoyed seeing the development of her hard-work ethic, and positive attitude, even through tough decision making. Sheri is resourceful, skilled in problem solving, and is a consensus builder. She is solution-oriented and a team-player.

Without doubt, Sheri will be a wonderful asset to assisting in accomplishing the goals and tasks of HPHA.

March 24, 2014

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland

Senate Committee on Human Resources

State Senate, State Capitol, Rm 226

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Re: Ms. Sheri Tanaka’s Nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public

Housing Authority.

Honorable Suzanne Chun Oakland,

I am writing a letter of support for Sheri Tanaka’s Nomination to the Board of Directors

of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, by Governor Abercrombie. I am a Pediatrician

and have been a personal friend of the Tanaka family for the past 22 years. It has been a

blessing to watch Shari grow up to become the wonderfully talented, compassionate

woman she is today. Her integrity is beyond reproach, and she is of the highest moral

character.

Shari Tanaka has impressive experience in working with disadvantaged youth and

families; as the Program Director for the Youth Detention Center in Provo, Utah (2000-

2003), as a “Kid’s First” Volunteer in Honolulu (2005) to help children deal with their

parent’s divorce, and as a Judicial Extern (2005) writing a bench book dealing with

children aging out of the foster care system. She has firsthand experience and knowledge

of the challenges and needs of disadvantaged families, and the compassion to be an

advocate for them.

Shari has impressive communications skills, with a degree in Communications and a

minor in Political Science, from BYU, as well as experience in Broadcast Journalism..

She is familiar with housing in Hawaii as a licensed Hawaii Realtor. Her BYU Law

Degree and subsequent Law Clerk experience give her a good understanding of the legal

issues that are an integral part of Public Housing in Hawaii.

I strongly support Shari Tanaka’s Nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii

Public Housing Authority based upon her experience working with disadvantaged youth

and families, her legal credentials and experience, her knowledge of real estate in Hawaii,

her excellent communications skills, her high moral character and integrity, and her

burning desire to serve and better the people of Hawaii.

I know that the Department and the State of Hawaii will truly benefit from the

appointment of Shari Tanaka to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing

Authority.

Sincerely,

Gloria N. Carlile, MD

March 23, 2014

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland

Senate Committee on Human Resources

415 S. Beretania Street, Rm. 226

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

RE: Ms. Sheri Tanaka's Nomination to Board of Directors of Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Honorable Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland:

I am writing a letter of testimony and recommendation on behalf of Ms. Sheri Tanaka, who has been

nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of Hawaii Public Housing Authority, and I do so without

any reservations . I am very well acquainted with Ms. Tanaka, and know her as an individual who

possesses the strongest of work ethics, integrity, and determination.

As Ms. Tanaka' s former ecclesiastical leader, I have seen her grow from a young, energetic child to a

woman of sound character, with attributes and qualities that have set her apart from many young women

her age. While a youth, she.held positions ofleadership that helped reach out to many of the young

women of our congregation. One quality that separates Ms. Tanaka from others is her keen ability to

listen to others, and provide support and feedback that is both genuine and focused. Ms. Tanaka is greatly

admired by the members of our congregation, as well as other members of our church who live across the

globe.

As an educator for nearly twenty years, I have seen many young men and women come through my

classroom hungering for a strong education that will help propel them to the next stages of life: career or

college. It has been an honor to teach and guide young minds as they prepare to tackle some of life' s

greatest challenges. As a member of the Board of Directors, Ms. Tanaka will bring the same fire and

energy that our young men and women in our classrooms have, and she will be able to approach the

challenges that face Hawaii's public housing from the perspective of bringing fresh ideas and insight to

ensure that those who call Hawaii "home," will always have a roof over their heads.

Ms. Tanaka tempers compassion with W1derstanding, and will accomplish many great and marvelous

works as a member of the Board of Directors. Of this, I have no doubt.

Sincerely,

Michael Saia Meli, EdD (will be conferred May 15, 2014)

March 22, 2014

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Senator Committee on Human Resources State Senate, State Capitol 415 S. Beretania Street, Room 226 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Re: Nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Dear Senator Chun Oakland,

We were informed and delighted to learn that our daughter Sheri Jean Tanaka was nominated to be on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Our daughter Sheri is presently licensed to practice in California and Hawaii but has chosen to open her own law office in Hawaii. It has truly been our privilege as we witness our daughter's work ethic and commitment and dedication to live by the laws of our state. Under much demand and pressure she conveys a determination to forge ahead in serving those she represents with much compassion to protect their rights. Her wisdom, knowledge and experience at her young age have prepared her to respond to intense situations with clarity of thought.

Sheri's integrity, trustworthiness and honesty are part of her character which is valuable to any organization. She has the ability to freely express herself respectfully with conviction and confidence.

These skills that we have described above are what we feel Sheri will bring to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Thank you for the opportunity and your time in reading our letter of recommendation regarding our daughter Sheri Jean Tanaka.

Sincerely,

)1~ /~ Nelson Tanaka Peggy Tanaka